Washing machine with rotating joint

ABSTRACT

A washer/dryer apparatus including a rotating joint to allow water and/or air to be introduced into the drum, despite rotation of the drum. In example forms, the apparatus includes a housing, a fixed bulkhead fixedly attached to the housing, and a drum mounted for rotation in at least one direction. In example forms, the drum adapted for containing a quantity of wash water, and the drum is sealingly mounted to the bulkhead at a rotating joint, in example forms, a portion of the drum is nestably and rotatably mounted within a portion of the bulkhead. In one form, one or more openings extend through the bulkhead portion for passage of air and/or water therethrough.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/129,137 filed Mar. 6, 2015, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Laundry generally has been cleaned with the application of three forms of cleaning action: chemical action, such as with detergents and other cleaning chemicals; mechanical action, such as by agitation, tumbling, rubbing the clothes by hand; and heat, typically applied by heated water.

Some home laundry markets are “laundry pair” markets where much of the sales are of a matched washer and dryer set (the United States is such a “laundry pair” market). In Europe and in Asia, the separate sale of dryers is a fraction of the number of washers. This is because of the limited space in the home, limited drain and vent infrastructure, higher energy costs, and the inefficiency of small drum or condensing dryers which take hours to dry clothes.

Most washer machines sold are either top loader machines or front loader machines. A top loader washer machine design is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,277 of Wunderlich. The basic modern day top loading automatic washer consists of a fixed outer drum, an inner basket with agitator rotationally mounted to the outer drum, a drive motor, a suspension system, controls, a hot and a cold water fill, a drain pump and a lid. Many consumers consider the top loader to be more convenient than the front loader for loading and unloading. Typically, the outer and inner tubs (drums) are set on a vertical axis. Moreover, a type of combination top loader combination washer/dryer machine is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,969 of Roaf.

In a modern front load (horizontal) washer, the same sorts of elements are found as in the top load washer, but typically turned sideways on a horizontal axis. A type of front loader washer machine is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,459 of Keith.

Typically, in either case most washers (e.g., vertical or horizontal) or combination washer/dryer machines typically comprise two drums, for example, the fixed outer drum and the inner drum rotationally mounted to the outer drum. The outer fixed drum is generally sealed within the housing of the machine, for example, so that water therein is prevented from leaking therefrom. The inner drum can freely rotate within the outer drum to agitate the clothes during washing and rinsing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first example form, the present invention relates to a washer machine having a drum including a rotating joint. Preferably, the washer machine comprises a housing and a drum. Preferably, the drum comprises a closed end, an open end, and a generally tubular part extending between the closed end and the open end. The closed end is generally affixed to the housing and the tubular part is generally rotatably and sealingly mounted to the closed end at a rotating joint such that the tubular part can rotate relative to the housing while the closed end does not.

Preferably, the closed end includes a bulkhead portion and a cylinder portion and wherein the cylinder portion receives a distal portion of the tubular part therein such that the distal portion of the tubular part can rotate within the cylinder portion of the closed end of the drum.

Preferably, the cylinder is tapered. Optionally, the cylinder portion is non-tapered.

Preferably, a resilient seal is positioned between the cylinder portion of the closed end and the tubular part. Preferably, the resilient seal comprises a dynamic lip seal.

Optionally, one or more openings extend through the bulkhead portion for passage of air and/or water therethrough.

Optionally, the resilient seal comprises an O-ring. Optionally, the resilient seal comprises a flat O-ring. Optionally, a roller bearing is provided adjacent the rotating joint for minimizing friction as the tubular part rotates relative to the housing. Optionally, a retainer is provided for retaining the tubular part adjacent the closed end.

In another example form, the present invention relates to a drum for use in a washer machine or a combination washer/dryer machine for cleaning articles. The machine generally comprises a housing. Preferably, the drum comprises a closed end, an open end, and a generally tubular part extending between the closed end and the open end. Preferably, the closed end is adapted to be affixed to the housing and the tubular part is rotatably and sealingly mounted to the closed end at a rotating joint such that the tubular part can rotate relative to the housing while the closed end does not.

Preferably, the closed end includes a bulkhead portion and a cylinder portion and wherein the cylinder portion receives a distal portion of the tubular part therein such that the distal portion of the tubular part can rotate within the cylinder portion of the closed end of the drum.

Preferably, the cylinder portion is tapered. Optionally, the cylinder portion is non-tapered. Preferably, a resilient seal is positioned between the cylinder portion of the closed end and the tubular part. Preferably, the resilient seal comprises a dynamic lip seal. Preferably, the resilient seal comprises an O-ring. Optionally, the resilient seal comprises a flat O-ring. Optionally, a roller bearing is positioned adjacent the rotating joint for minimizing friction as the tubular part rotates relative to the housing. Optionally, a retainer is provided for retaining the tubular part adjacent the closed end. Optionally, one or more openings extend through the bulkhead portion for passage of air and/or water therethrough.

In another example embodiment, the present invention relates to a washer/dryer combination apparatus. Preferably, the combination washer/dryer apparatus comprises a housing, a fixed bulkhead fixedly attached to the housing, and a drum mounted for rotation in at least one direction. Preferably, the drum is adapted for containing a quantity of wash water, and wherein the drum is sealingly mounted to the bulkhead at a rotating joint. Preferably, a portion of the drum is nestably and rotatably mounted within a portion of the bulkhead. Optionally, one or more openings extend through the bulkhead portion for passage of air and/or water therethrough.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a washer/dryer apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the washer/dryer apparatus of Figure

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a drum portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drum of FIG. 3, taken along view lines 4-4.

FIG. 5 is an exploded assembly view of the drum portion of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a portion of the drum of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a close-up, cutaway perspective view of a portion of the drum of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of a washer/dryer apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of a washer/dryer apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawing figures, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-7 show particular aspects of a washer/dryer apparatus 10 according to a first example form of the present invention. In particular, the apparatus 10 includes a rotating joint to allow water and/or air to be introduced into the drum, despite rotation of the drum. This is particularly helpful in washing apparatuses, but is also advantageous in dryers or washer/dryer combination machines, such as is depicted in the first embodiment herein. The framework of the apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-2 is for illustrative purposes only and depicts a prototype apparatus. Commercial embodiments incorporating features of the present invention would likely have a different structural framework.

In example forms, the washer/dryer apparatus 10 generally comprises a housing (here schematically depicted by the support structure or framework 12) having a drum 20 rotatably mounted relative to the housing 12. In example forms, a sheet metal casing or housing-like cover SM is generally provided for attachment to the framework 12. Optionally, the housing-like cover SM can be provided for supporting the drum 20 therein without the framework 12. According to one example form, one or more supports 14 can be provided for supporting one or more portions of the drum 20, for example, to support the drum 20 as it rotates/oscillates in either of the clockwise or counter-clockwise directions. A motor or other drive mechanism can be provided for causing rotation/oscillation of the drum 20. In some example forms, a belt or other band is linked between the motor and the drum 20 so that movement of the motor causes rotation of the drum 20.

In example forms, the drum 20 generally comprises a closed end 30, an open end 32, and a generally tubular part 34 extending between the closed end 30 and the open end 32. Generally, the closed end 30 is affixed to the housing 12 and the tubular part 34 extends between the closed end 30 and the open end 32. The tubular part 34 is generally rotatably and sealingly mounted to the closed end 30 at a rotating joint 60 (see FIGS. 4 and 7) such that the tubular part 34 can rotate relative to the housing 12 while the closed end 30 does not. As best seen in FIG. 3, the drum includes a cylindrical large end 34 a, a cylindrical small end 34 c distal from the large end 34 a, and a conical transition part 34 b connecting the large end 34 a to the small end 34 c. While a nozzle-shaped drum 20 is depicted in this embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that various drum shapes (profiles) can be employed, as desired.

Preferably the apparatus includes a rotating joint depicted generally at 60. Preferably, the closed end 40 is generally affixed to the housing (in this example embodiment, the frame) and the tubular part 30 of the drum is generally rotatably and sealingly mounted to the closed end 40 at the rotating joint 60 such that the tubular part 30 can rotate relative to the housing while the closed end 40 does not.

Preferably, the closed end 40 includes a back plate or bulkhead portion 41 and a cylinder portion 42 and the cylinder portion receives a distal portion of the cylindrical end part 34 c therein such that the distal portion of the cylindrical end 34 c part can rotate within the cylinder portion 42 of the closed end 40 of the drum. In this way, the closed end 40 is like a sort of cap or closed cylinder in which the remaining portion of the drum is rotatably mounted.

The cylinder portion 42 can be tapered, in which case the corresponding, nesting portion of cylindrical portion 34 c would be likewise tapered so as to help effect a good water-tight seal. Optionally, the cylinder portion 42 can be non-tapered (a perfect cylinder), in which case the portion 34 c would be likewise non-tapered so as to help effect a good water-tight seal. According to example forms, the seal is water-tight and air tight.

Preferably, the closed end 40 includes a flange 46. Preferably, a resilient seal 47 is positioned between the cylinder portion of the closed end and the tubular part 34 c. Preferably, the resilient seal comprises a dynamic lip seal. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of seals can be employed, such as round-profile O-rings, flat O-rings, rope seals, slingers, etc. According to one example form, the resilient seal 47 can be in the form of two radial shaft seals (e.g., lip seals) positioned in opposing directions as depicted in FIG. 7. Furthermore, to ease friction and provide for a more smooth and effortless movement of the end portion 40 relative to the rotating drum portion 34 c, a bearing can be provided. As seen in FIG. 7, a roller bearing 61 can be provided. Alternatively, a ball bearing, roller bearing, thrust bearing, or other bearing types (or combinations thereof) can be employed as desired. Also, instead of a bearing, a bushing can be utilized. Optionally, a retainer is provided for retaining the tubular part adjacent the closed end (for keeping them together such that they don't drift apart during rotation). Optionally rollers, such as cam followers may be utilized for providing for retaining the tubular part adjacent the closed end. As depicted herein, the retainer comprises a retainer ring 65 which is bolted or screwed to the flange 46 of the closed end 40. In this regard, the retainer ring overlies a portion of the bearing and helps to keep the bearing captured axially along both the tubular part and the closed end, thereby helping the bearing to act as a thrust bearing and locking the tubular part and the closed end together.

Preferably, at least one opening 44 extends through the bulkhead portion 41 for passage of air and/or water therethrough. Preferably, multiple openings 44 are provided in the bulkhead 41 for moving air into the drum, for moving water into the drum, for removing air from the drum, and for removing water from the drum.

With such a construction, advantageously the apparatus allows for free air and/or water movement through the bulkhead 41, even though (and even during, if desired) the remainder of the drum can rotate or oscillate relative to the fixed bulkhead. This peripheral rotating joint allows for a large bulkhead and considerable flexibility in the selection and placement of air/water apertures through the bulkhead. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, an axial rotating joint can be employed, as opposed to the peripheral rotating joint depicted in FIGS. 1-7. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the interior of the rotating drum 120, 220 is passed through a center axial opening to allow air or water to be pumped in or out. Thus, a more rudimentary rotating joint 160, 260 is provided in these embodiments. Moreover, these configurations have the disadvantage, relative to that show in FIGS. 1-7, that fewer apertures are provided and perhaps only one, with movement being one way at a time and one media at a time.

According to additional example embodiments of the present invention, the bulkhead 41 is preferably mounted to the housing or other structure of the machine such that the drum 20 is rotatable about an axis that is generally offset at an angle a relative to a generally horizontal axis. Preferably, the pivot axis angle a is generally between about 10 degrees and 40 degrees. More preferably, the pivot axis angle a is generally between about 10 degrees and 35 degrees. Most preferably, the pivot axis angle a is generally between about 15 degrees and 20 degrees. This tilt of the drum aids in both the washing cycle and the drying cycle by providing a tumbling agitation action. It can also reduce the water requirements in wash and rinse cycle and avoid having the level of water in the drum during the wash cycles overlie the bottom of a front door or lid 37 to the washer/dryer apparatus, thereby minimizing the likelihood of leakage through the front door 37. According to one example form, the front door 37 generally sealingly engages the open end of the drum 20. Optionally, the front door 37 can be configured for sealing engagement or other air tight engagement with the drum 20 as desired. As such, with the closed end sealingly engaged with an end of the drum and the front door sealingly engaged with the open end of the drum 20, the interior of the drum is preferably air tight, for example, such that the drum 20 is capable of being pressurized without air leasing through one or more of the seals. Similarly, a vacuum can be provided to enable negative pressure within the drum 20.

Moreover, the tilt or angle of the pivot axis can be chosen to be lower for greater tumbling effect or can be chosen to be higher for greater protection against water leakage. Taking such considerations to a logical extreme, if the pivot axis angle were increased all the way to 90 degrees (so that the pivot axis is vertical), maximum protection against water leakage through the door 37 is achieved, but at the expense of eliminating tumbling action (which works with gravity). At the other extreme, if the pivot axis angle were decreased to zero (a horizontal pivot axis), tumbling action is maximized, but protection against leakage through the door is at a minimum. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A washer machine for cleaning articles, the apparatus comprising: a housing; a drum with a closed end, an open end, and a generally tubular part extending between the closed end and the open end, the closed end being affixed to the housing and the tubular part being rotatably and sealingly mounted to the closed end at a rotating joint such that the tubular part can rotate relative to the housing while the closed end does not.
 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the closed end includes a bulkhead portion and a cylinder portion and wherein the cylinder portion receives a distal portion of the tubular part therein such that the distal portion of the tubular part can rotate within the cylinder portion of the closed end of the drum.
 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the cylinder portion is tapered.
 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the cylinder portion is non-tapered.
 5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein a resilient seal is positioned between the cylinder portion of the closed end and the tubular part.
 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the resilient seal comprises a dynamic lip seal.
 7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the resilient seal comprises an O-ring.
 8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the resilient seal comprises a flat O-ring.
 9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a roller bearing adjacent the rotating joint for minimizing friction as the tubular part rotates relative to the housing.
 10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a retainer for retaining the tubular part adjacent the closed end.
 11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 further comprising one or more openings extending through the bulkhead portion for passage of air and/or water therethrough.
 12. A drum for use in a washer machine or a combination washer/dryer machine for cleaning articles, the machine of the type having a housing, the drum comprising: a closed end, an open end, and a generally tubular part extending between the closed end and the open end, the closed end being adapted to be affixed to the housing and the tubular part being rotatably and sealingly mounted to the closed end at a rotating joint such that the tubular part can rotate relative to the housing while the closed end does not.
 13. A drum as claimed in claim 12 wherein the closed end includes a bulkhead portion and a cylinder portion and wherein the cylinder portion receives a distal portion of the tubular part therein such that the distal portion of the tubular part can rotate within the cylinder portion of the closed end of the drum.
 14. A drum as claimed in claim 13 wherein the cylinder portion is tapered.
 15. A drum as claimed in claim 13 wherein the cylinder portion is non-tapered.
 16. A drum as claimed in claim 13 wherein a resilient seal is positioned between the cylinder portion of the closed end and the tubular part.
 17. A drum as claimed in claim 16 wherein the resilient seal comprises a dynamic lip seal.
 18. A drum as claimed in claim 16 wherein the resilient seal comprises an O-ring.
 19. A drum as claimed in claim 16 wherein the resilient seal comprises a flat O-ring.
 20. A drum as claimed in claim 12 further comprising a roller bearing adjacent the rotating joint for minimizing friction as the tubular part rotates relative to the housing.
 21. A drum as claimed in claim 12 further comprising a retainer for retaining the tubular part adjacent the closed end.
 22. A drum as claimed in claim 13 further comprising one or more openings extending through the bulkhead portion for passage of air and/or water therethrough.
 23. A washer/dryer combination apparatus, comprising: a housing; a fixed bulkhead fixedly attached to the housing; and a drum mounted for rotation in at least one direction, the drum adapted for containing a quantity of wash water, the drum sealingly mounted to the bulkhead at a rotating joint.
 24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23 wherein a portion of the drum is nestably and rotatably mounted within a portion of the bulkhead.
 25. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23 further comprising one or more openings extending through the bulkhead portion for passage of air and/or water therethrough. 